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    • What you need to know about Ryan Borgwardt, the Green Lake kayaker who faked his death
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    What you need to know about Ryan Borgwardt, the Green Lake kayaker who faked his death

    Vaseline Posted on

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    Authorities now believe a Watertown man reported missing while kayaking is alive and likely staged his own disappearance before fleeing the country.

    The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported Nov. 8 that 44-year-old Ryan Borgwardt staged his disappearance before likely fleeing the country to Europe, according to a news release.

    Here’s what we know about Ryan Borgwardt and how he could have orchestrated his own disappearance in Wisconsin.

    When did Ryan Borgwardt go missing in Wisconsin?

    According to a news release from the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Borgwardt was first reported missing on August 12 and was last known to be in his kayak on Green Lake.

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Bruce’s Legacy assisted in the search. Efforts to search the area continued through August with no signs of Borgwardt.

    What do authorities think happened to Ryan Borgwardt?

    Authorities learned that Borgwardt had reported his passport as lost or stolen and had obtained another passport issued in May 2024.

    Digital forensic analysis of a laptop showed a digital trail of Borgwardt planning his disappearance to Europe and his attempt to conceal his efforts.

    Authorities found a replacement for the laptop’s hard drive and that he had erased the browsers on the day of the disappearance.

    In addition, authorities also discovered questions about money transfers to foreign banks, communications with a woman from Uzbekistan and a new $375,000 life insurance policy.

    “Due to the discovery of this new evidence, we are confident that Ryan is not in Green Lake and have terminated all search efforts associated with Green Lake, authorities said in a Nov. 8 news release.

    What are the next steps in the investigation?

    The Green Lake Sheriff’s Office is working with the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations, the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center and the FBI to continue the investigation.

    According to the press release, the investigation will continue, including:

    • Identify all crimes committed, all individuals who assisted in these crimes, and fully and thoroughly investigate all aspects of this case with the assistance of our state, federal and international partners
    • Seek reimbursement for the taxpayer-funded costs of the search.
    • Warn Borgwardt that his plan will be revealed and the best he can do is return to his family and children.

    Where is Green Lake, Wisconsin?

    Green Lake, a natural inland lake, is located about 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

    To assist with the investigation:

    Those who knowingly or unknowingly assisted Borgwardt are encouraged to come forward by contacting the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 920-294-4134 extension 1162. If people have any information about the case, they can remain anonymous and provide information through Green Lake County Crime. Stoppers. Text “GETTHEM” to 847411. Tips provided that lead to arrests or convictions will be eligible for a reward. Those who cannot text can call 1-800-GET THEM.

    Oshkosh Northwestern reporter Justin Marville contributed to this report.

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